Besides, when we blocked PI3K/AKT and/or MEK/ERK signaling by its specific inhibitor MK2206 and PD98059, the promotive effect of OTUB1-induced malignant behavior of HCC cells was also significantly reversed (Fig. 6d–q), demonstrating that OTUB1 performed the tumor-enhanced effects by effectively activating the AKT and ERK signaling pathway. This evidence concerns the gene AKT1 and hepatocellular carcinoma.